TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me. Psalm 22:19
TODAY’S MESSAGE
The book of Psalms is central to Christian and Jewish devotion. For thousands of years, devout believers have sung, prayed and memorized its songs and poems. The Psalms offer words to pray back to God for every situation, sorrow and joy in life.
Jesus regularly quotes the Psalms and even sings one of its hymns with his followers during his final hours (Mark 14:26). Jesus’ brother James urges believers to sing its songs of praise (James 5:13). The Apostle Paul teaches believers to fill their conversations with its psalms, hymns and songs (Ephesians 5:18-19). Church leaders throughout history—such as Augustine (4th century), Aquinas (13th century), Luther (16th century), Calvin (16th century) and the Pilgrims (17th century)—depend on the Psalms’ truths for their everyday lives.
We can depend on the Psalms in our lives too. They build spiritual muscle memory, so we know what to say to God in every emotion and experience. Over the past six weeks, we’ve seen how the Psalms of lament help us talk to God when things are not going well. Lament walks us through our most complex and challenging times in life, allowing us to turn to God in our pain rather than walking away from him.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
We’ve explored six psalms of lament during this Honest to God sermon series. Look back at the previous sermons and re-watch one that stood out to you. Read that sermon’s Psalm and ask God to build spiritual muscle memory you can use to talk to him when you struggle to find your own words.
NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN
Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.
Today’s reading is Luke 17.
